Flooding Closes Roads Around New Zealand

The New Zealand Transport Agency said on July 21 that it was considering closing a section of State Highway 1 as a “significant flooding event” hit the country’s South Island. “SH1 North of Ashburton may close this afternoon or this evening,” the agency said. “Several highways are already closed, and in many areas no safe detours are currently available.” The Timaru District Council declared a state of emergency and warned residents to prepare to evacuate, the New Zealand Herald reported. This video shows motorists braving flooding on State Highway 1 near Dunsandel. The uploader said in a follow-up comment that she was still not home. “Have been Stuck in traffic for over an hour, 5mins away from our home in Timaru.” Credit: Facebook/Sheryl Higgs via Storyful